Key findings:

• Levels of key reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol, and estrone) followed patterns seen in earlier studies.
• Testosterone and androstenedione (both related to male and female hormone balance) dropped slightly (about 16-18%) around menopause and continued to decline, reaching a 30% decrease after three years.
• Another hormone, DHEA, and its sulfate form (DHAS), did not change significantly at menopause but slowly declined by about 20% over the study period. However, there was a temporary rise in DHAS just before menopause.
• A year after menopause, there was a strong connection between levels of estrone and androstenedione, suggesting a shift in how hormones interact post-menopause.

The implications of this study are important for understanding hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, which can influence both symptoms and long-term health. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Confirmation of Hormonal Shifts

The study reinforces that FSH and LH levels rise, while estrogen levels drop as menopause approaches—consistent with past research. However, it also provides new insights into other hormone changes.

2. Decline in Testosterone & Androstenedione

• These hormones, which contribute to muscle mass, libido, and overall energy, decline significantly around menopause and continue to drop over time.
• This may explain why some women experience lower sex drive, fatigue, or changes in body composition after menopause.

3. Gradual Decline in DHEA & DHAS

• Since DHEA is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone, its slow decline over time may contribute to reduced hormone production in postmenopausal women.
• The temporary increase in DHAS before menopause suggests the body might attempt to compensate for declining estrogen levels before ultimately decreasing over time.

4. The Link Between Estrone & Androstenedione

• Estrone (a weaker form of estrogen) is the dominant estrogen after menopause. Its correlation with androstenedione suggests that, even after menopause, the body still tries to maintain some level of hormone balance.
• This could have implications for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as it highlights how the body shifts its reliance on different hormones after menopause.

5. Practical Implications for Women’s Health

• Understanding these hormonal changes can help women and healthcare providers anticipate symptoms like fatigue, mood shifts, and changes in metabolism.
• It supports the idea that hormone supplementation (such as bioidentical hormones) might be beneficial for some women, especially in managing symptoms linked to declining androgens (testosterone and androstenedione).
• Long-term health concerns, like bone density loss and cardiovascular risks, may also be linked to these hormonal shifts, suggesting the importance of lifestyle adjustments (diet, exercise, and possible supplementation).

This study helps refine our understanding of how hormones shift over time, rather than in a sudden drop, which can guide better management of perimenopause and postmenopause symptoms.

View the study: SciencedirectA prospective long-term study in women from pre-menopause to post-menopause: changing profiles of gonadotrophins, oestrogens and androgensciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0378512286900381